The first trial verdict for Yoo Young-jae, a broadcaster and former announcer charged with forcibly sexually assaulting actress Sunwoo Eun-sook's biological sister, will be announced today (23rd).
The 1st Criminal Division of the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court (Chief Judge Heo Yong-gu) will hold the sentencing for Yoo Young-jae, who was indicted without detention for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (forced sexual assault due to familial relations).
Yoo Young-jae is accused of forcibly sexually assaulting A, Sunwoo Eun-sook's biological sister, by making physical contact on five occasions from March to October 2023. Yoo Young-jae denied all allegations during police and prosecution investigations, but the prosecution deemed there was sufficient evidence to indict him without detention.
In the sentencing hearing held last December, the prosecution sought a five-year prison sentence for Yoo Young-jae.
At that time, the prosecution stated, "This is a case of forced sexual assault due to familial relations, and the nature of the act itself is poor. The defendant denies the charges, but considering the consistent testimony of the victim and the recorded evidence, the evidence is acknowledged."
They continued, "There is no reason for the victim to give false testimony, especially since she faced the defendant. The defendant has shown no signs of remorse from the police investigation to the court. The victim is requesting severe punishment."
In his final statement, Yoo Young-jae revealed, "I have lost everything I achieved in my 34 years of broadcasting due to this incident, and my daily life has come to a halt. I have reflected on whether there are parts I need to repent for and whether I have done anything wrong."
Meanwhile, Yoo Young-jae married Sunwoo Eun-sook in 2022 but divorced in April of last year, just 1 year and 6 months later. Afterward, Sunwoo Eun-sook exposed Yoo Young-jae's third marriage and allegations of sexual assault against A, filing for annulment of their marriage. However, the court dismissed the case, stating that there was no reason to proceed with the lawsuit since the two had already divorced.
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
